1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 381 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 685 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 598 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
