2008 Mercedes-Benz R vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. (188 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 305 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | R | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2195 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
