2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 165 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 500 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
