2008 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. (323 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 775 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 507 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 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 | 1115 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
