1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1979 Toyota Century
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 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Century would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Century. (167 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 184 kg more than 1979 Toyota Century. 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Century. (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1979 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Century |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
