2004 Holden Barina vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Holden Barina is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2004 Holden Barina. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 460 kg more than 2004 Holden Barina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Holden Barina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Holden Barina. (121 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Holden Barina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Holden Barina | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barina | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2950 mm |
