1980 Dodge Mirada vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (146 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 35 kg more than 1980 Dodge Mirada. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Mirada | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mirada | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3090 mm |
