1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2008 Seat Altea

To start off, 2008 Seat Altea is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 219 more horse power than 2008 Seat Altea. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 485 kg more than 2008 Seat Altea. 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, 2008 Seat Altea, 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 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Seat Altea. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Seat Altea. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2008 Seat Altea has manual transmission. 2008 Seat Altea 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 2008 Seat Altea
Make Mercedes-Benz Seat
Model 500 Altea
Year Released 1989 2008
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4973 cc 1896 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 323 HP 104 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 450 Nm 250 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 1900 RPM
Engine Bore Size 96.5 mm 79.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 85 mm 95.5 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 19.0:1
Top Speed 249 km/hour 183 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1890 kg 1405 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1310 mm 1570 mm
Wheelbase Size 2520 mm 2590 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 55 L