1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1971 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 810 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 411. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 1971 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | 411 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
