1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1978 Nissan Skyline is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1978 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 450 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2620 mm |
