2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 500 kg more than 1962 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SE |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4964 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 52 L |
