1973 AC 428 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 1800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 340 kg more than 1973 AC 428.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1973 AC 428 has manual transmission. 1973 AC 428 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 AC 428 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 428 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7002 cc | 3220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
