1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 39 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 880 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | GL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 2515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
