1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 300 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2720 mm |
