1978 Lada 1600 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 415 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 955 kg more than 1978 Lada 1600. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1978 Lada 1600 has manual transmission. 1978 Lada 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1600 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1600 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 88 L |
