1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1971 Oldsmobile 442
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. (260 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 260 kg more than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | S | 442 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 108 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
