2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 51 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 500 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2950 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
