1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (109 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 265 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2810 mm |
