2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1980 Renault 5
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 5 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1980 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1980 Renault 5. 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 (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 1980 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | S | 5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 51 L |
