Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221)

S 500

388 hp5461 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2005-2009
VS

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140)

600 SE

408 hp5987 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan1991-1993

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.4 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,865 kg
    4,112 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    208 hp/t
    155 kW/t
    4.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.9 L/100 km
    19.8 mpg US
    23.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    756 km
    470 mi
  • Largest trunk
    560 L
  • Best overall score
    75/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100
  • Best economy score
    75/100
  • Best practicality score
    78/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
Power
388hp289kW
408hp304kW
Torque
530Nm391lb-ft
580Nm428lb-ft
Curb weight
1,865kg4,112lb
2,180kg4,806lb
Gross weight
2,545kg5,611lb
2,640kg5,820lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
52.3s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
61.6s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
6.0s
0-200 km/h
16.0s
Calculated
18.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
13.7L/100 km17.2mpg US20.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.6L/100 km13.4mpg US16.1mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
8.7L/100 km27mpg US32.5mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
13.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
208hp/t155kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
187hp/t140kW/t85hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
284Nm/t190lb-ft/ton
Calculated
266Nm/t178lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
756km470mi
Calculated
730km454mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,461cc333cu in
5,987cc365cu in
Length
5,079mm200in
5,113mm201in
Width
1,872mm74in
1,886mm74in
Height
1,473mm58in
1,490mm59in
Wheelbase
3,035mm119in
3,040mm120in
Front track
1,604mm63in
1,602mm63in
Rear track
1,606mm63in
1,574mm62in
Trunk volume
560L
535L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
90L
100L
CO2 emissions
283g/km
-

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SEPowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5006,000 rpm2,800 rpm6,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE5,200 rpm3,800 rpm5,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
6.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.0 s
18.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.3 s
11.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
13.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
183 km/h
114 mph
175 km/h
109 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 kW
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
408 hp
304 kW

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE has 20 hp more than Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE: 20 hp (15 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
580 Nm
428 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
1,865 kg
4,112 lb
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
2,180 kg
4,806 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5005.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE6.0 s

Although Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE has more power, Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE: 0.6 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
13.7 L/100 km
17.2 mpg US
20.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE: 1.8 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
208 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
187 hp/t
140 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
756 km
470 mi
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
730 km
454 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
408 hp
304 kW
6.0 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Length
5,079 mm
200.0 in
Height
1,473 mm
58.0 in
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
Power
408 hp
304 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
535 L
18.9 cu ft
Length
5,113 mm
201.3 in
Height
1,490 mm
58.7 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
Power
408 hp
304 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.7 L/100 km
17.2 mpg US
20.6 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
5.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
13.7 L/100 km
17.2 mpg US
20.6 mpg UK
6.0 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
208 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
187 hp/t
140 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
13.7 L/100 km
17.2 mpg US
20.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W140)600 SE
Power
388 hp
289 kW
408 hp
304 kW
Torque
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
580 Nm
428 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 s
6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,865 kg
4,112 lb
2,180 kg
4,806 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
13.7 L/100 km
17.2 mpg US
20.6 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Length
5,079 mm
200.0 in
Height
1,473 mm
58.0 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
535 L
18.9 cu ft
Length
5,113 mm
201.3 in
Height
1,490 mm
58.7 in
Range score
756 km
470 mi
730 km
454 mi
CO2 score
283 g/km
-
Trunk score
560 L
19.8 cu ft
535 L
18.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
208 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
187 hp/t
140 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleMercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK13.7 L/100 km17.2 mpg US20.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km23.97 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi38.58 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal2,055 L543 US gal452 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year3,596 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • Is 315 kg lighter
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.8 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 21 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 26 km (16 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 25 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

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Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140) 600 SE
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