2006 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 214 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
