1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2003 Vector M12
To start off, 2003 Vector M12 is newer by 30 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 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2003 Vector M12.
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, 2003 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 2003 Vector M12 has manual transmission. 2003 Vector M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2003 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vector |
| Model | 450 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2750 mm |
