1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 489 kg more than 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | S |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5025 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
