Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W220) S 500 V8

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 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2005-2009
VS

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220)

S 500 V8

306 hp4966 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan1998-2002

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
  • Most powerful
    388 hp
    289 kW
  • Highest torque
    530 Nm
    391 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    201 hp/t
    150 kW/t
    5.0 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    12.3 L/100 km
    19.1 mpg US
    23.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    18.2 L/100 km
    12.9 mpg US
    15.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    9.0 L/100 km
    26.1 mpg US
    31.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    294 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    732 km
    455 mi
  • Largest trunk
    560 L
  • Best overall score
    74/100
  • Best performance score
    72/100
  • Best economy score
    74/100
  • Best practicality score
    78/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
Power
388hp289kW
306hp228kW
Torque
530Nm391lb-ft
460Nm339lb-ft
Curb weight
1,935kg4,266lb
1,780kg3,924lb
Gross weight
2,620kg5,776lb
2,380kg5,247lb
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
53.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
66.5s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
6.5s
0-200 km/h
16.1s
Calculated
19.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
6.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK
13.4L/100 km17.6mpg US21.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
18.2L/100 km12.9mpg US15.5mpg UK
19.4L/100 km12.1mpg US14.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
14.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
201hp/t150kW/t91hp/1000 lb
Calculated
172hp/t128kW/t78hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
274Nm/t183lb-ft/ton
Calculated
258Nm/t173lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
732km455mi
Calculated
657km408mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,461cc333cu in
4,966cc303cu in
Length
5,079mm200in
5,038mm198in
Width
1,872mm74in
1,855mm73in
Height
1,473mm58in
1,444mm57in
Wheelbase
3,035mm119in
2,965mm117in
Front track
1,604mm63in
1,574mm62in
Rear track
1,606mm63in
1,574mm62in
Trunk volume
560L
500L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
90L
88L
CO2 emissions
294g/km
320g/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 (W220) S 500 V8PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220) S 500 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5006,000 rpm2,800-4,800 rpm6,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V85,500 rpm3,000-4,250 rpm5,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
6.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
6.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.1 s
19.8 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
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
9.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.3 s
12.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
14.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
182 km/h
113 mph
170 km/h
106 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 (W220)S 500 V8
306 hp
228 kW

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 has 82 hp more than Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220) S 500 V8.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220) S 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 82 hp (61 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 (W220)S 500 V8
460 Nm
339 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
1,935 kg
4,266 lb
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
1,780 kg
3,924 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 (W220)S 500 V8
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 (W220)S 500 V86.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220) S 500 V8: 1.1 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
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220) S 500 V8: 1.1 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
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 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
732 km
455 mi
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
657 km
408 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 (W220)S 500 V8
306 hp
228 kW
6.5 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 (W220)S 500 V8
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
5,038 mm
198.3 in
Height
1,444 mm
56.9 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
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 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
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
5.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK
6.5 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
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W220)S 500 V8
Power
388 hp
289 kW
306 hp
228 kW
Torque
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
460 Nm
339 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 s
6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,935 kg
4,266 lb
1,780 kg
3,924 lb
Fuel consumption
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
13.4 L/100 km
17.6 mpg US
21.1 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
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
5,038 mm
198.3 in
Height
1,444 mm
56.9 in
Range score
732 km
455 mi
657 km
408 mi
CO2 score
294 g/km
320 g/km
Trunk score
560 L
19.8 cu ft
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 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 (W220) S 500 V8
Consumption12.3 L/100 km19.1 mpg US23 mpg UK13.4 L/100 km17.6 mpg US21.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.53 LC100 km23.45 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi34.64 LC100 mi37.74 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,845 L487 US gal406 UK gal2,010 L531 US gal442 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,229 LC/year3,518 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • Has 82 hp more
  • Has 70 Nm more
  • Is 1.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 29 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 75 km (47 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 60 L more trunk volume
  • Emits 26 g/km less CO2

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heaviest

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Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220) S 500 V8
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