1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Nissan Qashqai
To start off, 2009 Nissan Qashqai is newer by 31 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Qashqai. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Qashqai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 Nissan Qashqai. 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, 2009 Nissan Qashqai, 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, 2009 Nissan Qashqai (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Qashqai 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 | 2009 Nissan Qashqai | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Qashqai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 15.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
