1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 230 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3090 mm |
