1985 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz S 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 636 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 560 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 657 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | S | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 7729 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
