1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1974 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 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 85 L |
