1965 AC 427 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC 427. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC 427 would be higher. At 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC 427 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC 427 (410 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC 427 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 213 kg more than 1965 AC 427.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1965 AC 427 (652 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1965 AC 427 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 AC 427 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 427 | S |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1397 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 85 L |
