1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. (150 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1220 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus has manual transmission. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Talbot |
| Model | S | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 40 L |
