1980 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 77 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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 S (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 230 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3400 mm |
