Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223)

S 500

435 hp2999 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2020-2023
VS

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221)

S 500

388 hp5461 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2005-2009

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    435 hp
    324 kW
  • Best power-to-weight
    221 hp/t
    165 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.4 L/100 km
    28.0 mpg US
    33.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    11.4 L/100 km
    20.6 mpg US
    24.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.6 L/100 km
    35.6 mpg US
    42.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    774 km
    481 mi
  • Best overall score
    77/100
  • Best performance score
    77/100
  • Best economy score
    84/100
  • Best practicality score
    78/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
435hp324kW
388hp289kW
Torque
520Nm384lb-ft
530Nm391lb-ft
Curb weight
1,970kg4,343lb
1,865kg4,112lb
Gross weight
2,810kg6,195lb
2,545kg5,611lb
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
45.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
52.3s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
5.4s
0-200 km/h
14.3s
Calculated
16.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
17.6L/100 km13.4mpg US16.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.6L/100 km35.6mpg US42.8mpg UK
8.7L/100 km27mpg US32.5mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.8s
Calculated
13.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
221hp/t165kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
208hp/t155kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
264Nm/t177lb-ft/ton
Calculated
284Nm/t190lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
774km481mi
Calculated
756km470mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,999cc183cu in
5,461cc333cu in
Length
5,179mm204in
5,079mm200in
Width
1,954mm77in
1,872mm74in
Height
1,503mm59in
1,473mm58in
Wheelbase
3,106mm122in
3,035mm119in
Front track
1,660mm65in
1,604mm63in
Rear track
1,688mm66in
1,606mm63in
Ground clearance
130mm5in
-
Trunk volume
550L
560L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
65L
90L
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 (W223) S 500Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 5005,900-6,100 rpm1,800-5,500 rpm6,350 rpm
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5006,000 rpm2,800 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
5.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
14.3 s
16.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
5.8 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
11.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.8 s
13.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
190 km/h
118 mph
183 km/h
114 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500
435 hp
324 kW
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 kW

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500 has 47 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 (W223) S 500: 47 hp (35 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500
520 Nm
384 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
530 Nm
391 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500
1,970 kg
4,343 lb
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
1,865 kg
4,112 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 (W223)S 500
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
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 (W223)S 5004.9 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5005.4 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 0.5 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 (W223)S 500
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 3.5 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 (W223)S 500
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
208 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500
774 km
481 mi
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
756 km
470 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500
435 hp
324 kW
4.9 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 kW
5.4 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 (W223)S 500
Power
435 hp
324 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
550 L
19.4 cu ft
Length
5,179 mm
203.9 in
Height
1,503 mm
59.2 in
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

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 (W223)S 500
Power
435 hp
324 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
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-Benz S-class (W223) 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 (W223)S 500
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
4.9 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
5.4 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 (W223)S 500
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
435 hp
324 kW
388 hp
289 kW
Torque
520 Nm
384 lb-ft
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 s
5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,970 kg
4,343 lb
1,865 kg
4,112 lb
Fuel consumption
8.4 L/100 km
28.0 mpg US
33.6 mpg UK
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
550 L
19.4 cu ft
Length
5,179 mm
203.9 in
Height
1,503 mm
59.2 in
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
Range score
774 km
481 mi
756 km
470 mi
CO2 score
-
283 g/km
Trunk score
550 L
19.4 cu ft
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
208 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 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 (W223) S 500Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500
Consumption8.4 L/100 km28 mpg US33.6 mpg UK11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km14.70 LC100 km20.83 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi23.66 LC100 mi33.51 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,260 L333 US gal277 UK gal1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,205 LC/year3,124 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500

  • Has 47 hp more
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 3.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 13 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 18 km (11 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • Has 10 Nm more
  • Is 105 kg lighter
  • Has 10 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption

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Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 500
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