1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 490 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. 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 S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | S | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
