2004 Holden Vectra vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2004 Holden Vectra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2004 Holden Vectra. (146 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 Holden Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2004 Holden Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Holden Vectra, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Holden Vectra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Holden Vectra. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2004 Holden Vectra has manual transmission. 2004 Holden Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Holden Vectra | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Vectra | 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |
