1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 710 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (271 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2720 mm |
