1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 381 kg more than 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450.
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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 450 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
