1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 235 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | S | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3030 mm |
