1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2001 Noble M12
To start off, 2001 Noble M12 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 465 kg more than 2001 Noble M12.
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, 2001 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2001 Noble M12 has manual transmission. 2001 Noble M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2001 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Noble |
| Model | 500 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2440 mm |
