1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 128 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 220 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
