2006 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (242 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 400 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 280 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 280 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
