1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 101 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 66 L |
