1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. (153 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 190 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
