1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 100 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
