Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) · Facelift 2009 S 500 V8vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 550

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) · Facelift 2009

S 500 V8

388 hp5461 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2009-2011
VS

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221)

S 550

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 (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8

  • 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
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.2 L/100 km
    21.0 mpg US
    25.2 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    804 km
    499 mi
  • Largest trunk
    560 L
  • Best overall score
    75/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100
  • Best economy score
    77/100
  • Best practicality score
    78/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
Power
388hp289kW
388hp289kW
Torque
530Nm391lb-ft
530Nm391lb-ft
Curb weight
1,880kg4,145lb
1,865kg4,112lb
Gross weight
2,560kg5,644lb
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
52.6s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
52.3s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
5.4s
0-200 km/h
16.0s
Calculated
16.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK
11.7L/100 km20.1mpg US24.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.7L/100 km14.1mpg US16.9mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
13.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
206hp/t154kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
208hp/t155kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
282Nm/t189lb-ft/ton
Calculated
284Nm/t190lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
804km499mi
Calculated
769km478mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,461cc333cu in
5,461cc333cu in
Length
5,096mm201in
5,079mm200in
Width
1,871mm74in
1,872mm74in
Height
1,479mm58in
1,473mm58in
Wheelbase
3,035mm119in
3,035mm119in
Front track
1,600mm63in
1,604mm63in
Rear track
1,606mm63in
1,606mm63in
Trunk volume
560L
560L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
90L
90L
CO2 emissions
262g/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) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 550PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 550: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V86,000 rpm2,800-4,800 rpm6,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5506,000 rpm2,800 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
5.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.0 s
16.0 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
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.3 s
11.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
13.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
183 km/h
113 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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
388 hp
289 kW
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
388 hp
289 kW

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
1,880 kg
4,145 lb
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
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)Facelift 2009S 500 V85.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5505.4 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 550: 0.5 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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
804 km
499 mi
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
769 km
478 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
388 hp
289 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
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
5,096 mm
200.6 in
Height
1,479 mm
58.2 in
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
5.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
208 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 550
Power
388 hp
289 kW
388 hp
289 kW
Torque
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 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
1,880 kg
4,145 lb
1,865 kg
4,112 lb
Fuel consumption
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Length
5,096 mm
200.6 in
Height
1,479 mm
58.2 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
804 km
499 mi
769 km
478 mi
CO2 score
262 g/km
-
Trunk score
560 L
19.8 cu ft
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 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 (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 550
Consumption11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK11.7 L/100 km20.1 mpg US24.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.60 LC100 km20.47 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi31.54 LC100 mi32.95 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal1,755 L464 US gal386 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,940 LC/year3,071 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8

  • Uses 0.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 34 km (21 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

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Model
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Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 V8
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 550
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