1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 405 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
