1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 weights approximately 444 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | E420 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1608 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2840 mm |
