2003 Lexus GS vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 2003 Lexus GS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus GS (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus GS weights approximately 112 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. 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, 2003 Lexus GS (296 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. 2003 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has manual transmission. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus GS | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | 350 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2470 mm |
