1980 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 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 59 more horse power than 1979 Renault 5. (159 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 625 kg more than 1979 Renault 5. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 5. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 5 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 5 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 | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | S | 5 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2440 mm |
