1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara (164 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 315 kg more than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
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, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Suzuki |
| Model | S | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 66 L |
