2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S VS 2010 E 63 AMG Drag Race

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+ ($139,777 CAD, ~$136,300 USD) has been facelifted for this year, and offers a tantalizing mixture of road presence and driving exhilaration. But in terms of value, this comparatively understated 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG only cost the owner ($25,000 CAD, ~$20,650 USD) earlier this year. Which would you choose?

2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S vs 2010 E63 AMG // DRAG RACE, ROAD & TRACK REVIEW

 
The AMG versions of the Mercedes E-Class have always been a go-to choice for a (very) powerful yet understated premium sedan. But as the latest and greatest inevitably get pricier, could it be wise to go for an older model in order to save nearly $100,000 over a new one? Throttle House attempts to find out in their latest video, which pits a 2021 model against a 2010 one in a series of tests.
 
These cars are 11 years apart, and the gap in power is noticeable. The 2010 W212 E63 makes 518 hp (525 PS / 386 kW), while the 2021 W213 E63 S makes 603 hp (611 PS / 449 kW). The W212 weighs around 500 lbs (227 kg) less than the W213, though, leveling the playing field a bit. However, one big advantage the W213 has is all wheel drive, which will make for much better launches than the W212.
 

In terms of styling, the W213 certainly looks newer, but the W212 has a certain quality to it that keeps it from looking too dated. As for luxury, the W212 has nearly every feature the W213 has (there are a few exceptions, of course), just the technology is older. Ride quality is also very similar between the two cars, with the W213 being a bit harsher than the W212.
 
The other comparisons these two cars are put through include a drag race and a track test, and while the W213 might have more outright speed, it’s hard to beat the W212’s naturally aspirated antics, and for that reason, Throttle House has a hard time finding faults with either car.