1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (603 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 478 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 620 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 603 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3090 mm |
