1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 316 kg more than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S has manual transmission. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 170S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1949 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
