1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1959 Saab 95
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Saab 95. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Saab 95 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1959 Saab 95. (38 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Saab 95. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1002 kg more than 1959 Saab 95. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Saab 95, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Saab 95. (84 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Saab 95. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1959 Saab 95 has manual transmission. 1959 Saab 95 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1959 Saab 95 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 500 | 95 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 841 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
