1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom
To start off, 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom is newer by 35 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 6,749 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom (448 HP @ 5350 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom (531 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | S | Phantom |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 6749 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 448 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3580 mm |
