1973 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,187 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 619 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg (310 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | 2004 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
