1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. Both 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 and 1986 Mercedes-Benz S are equipped with a 4,196 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2950 mm |
