1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1998 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 1998 Saab 05-Sep is newer by 20 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Saab 05-Sep (198 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 20 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.
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, 1998 Saab 05-Sep, 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, 1998 Saab 05-Sep (309 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Saab 05-Sep 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 | 1998 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | S | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 309 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 75 L |
