1980 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (380 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 734 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (576 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 2329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2893 mm |
