1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1980 Reliant GTC
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant GTC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant GTC would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1980 Reliant GTC. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant GTC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 714 kg more than 1980 Reliant GTC. 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 (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant GTC. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant GTC. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant GTC has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant GTC 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 | 1980 Reliant GTC | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | S | GTC |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 91 L |
