1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2004 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2004 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 24 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, 2004 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ascari KZ1 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 165 kg more than 2004 Ascari KZ1.
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, 2004 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Ascari KZ1 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 2004 Ascari KZ1 has manual transmission. 2004 Ascari KZ1 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 | 2004 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ascari |
| Model | 500 | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2636 mm |
