2002 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (169 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 350 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | SE |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 65 L |
