1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2710 mm |
