2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 96 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 270 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
