1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1966 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 815 kg more than 1966 Pontiac GTO.
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, 1966 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 | 1966 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | GTO |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 6375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 366 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2930 mm |
