1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom
To start off, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is newer by 31 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 6,700 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom (453 HP @ 5350 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom weights approximately 1175 kg more than 1980 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, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom (719 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | 500 | Phantom |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 6700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 453 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 2690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 6091 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1638 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
