1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 16 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 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 80 kg more than 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 | 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | S | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2740 mm |
