1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 20 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. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 185 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | E |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2830 mm |
