1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (121 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 15 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
