2004 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (494 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 438 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 611 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | S | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 45 L |
