1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 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 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S (301 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S 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 740 kg more than 2000 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 6160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 4090 mm |
