2008 Honda S2000 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Honda S2000 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 310 kg more than 2008 Honda S2000.
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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda S2000 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S2000 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |
