1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Nissan NV
To start off, 2012 Nissan NV 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan NV (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan NV should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NV weights approximately 1151 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 Nissan NV (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan NV 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 Nissan NV | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | NV |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 2666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 6111 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 2156 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3711 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 106 L |
