Germany vs Germany — 1986 vs 1979
| 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II | G-Class G 500 (W463) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 296 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 336 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,463 cc | 4,966 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 sec | 7.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.0 sec | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,954 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,665 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,662 mm |
| Units Produced | 502 | — |
| Original MSRP | $79,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $400,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 500 (W463) answers with more power, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Mercedes-Benz has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II with the 1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 500 (W463) highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 500 (W463) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 296 hp compared to 235 hp, a 61-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz 190E uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 2,463 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class relies on a V8 SOHC 24V with 4,966 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II edges ahead at 7.1 seconds versus 7.4 seconds. On the collector market, the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II commands a significant premium over the 1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 500 (W463), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.