1980 Talbot Horizon vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Talbot Horizon would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 564 more horse power than 1980 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1360 kg more than 1980 Talbot Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Talbot Horizon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 908 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Talbot Horizon. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Talbot Horizon has manual transmission. 1980 Talbot Horizon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Talbot Horizon | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Talbot | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Horizon | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 90 L |
