1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram is newer by 32 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 878 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, 2012 Dodge Ram (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram 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 | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | 500 | Ram |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 2418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3569 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 121 L |
