1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 298 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 260 | E |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
