1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 2003 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2003 TVR Speed 12 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 7,729 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 622 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 422 kg more than 2003 TVR Speed 12.
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 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 653 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12 has manual transmission. 2003 TVR Speed 12 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 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | 260 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 7729 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
