1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
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 Pontiac Catalina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Pontiac Catalina would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 275 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 103.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3080 mm |
