1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (95 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 425 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 200 | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3090 mm |
