1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is newer by 13 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (287 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 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 215 kg more than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400.
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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (410 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 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 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 400 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3050 mm |
