1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 32 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, 2010 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 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 284 kg more than 2010 BMW 120.
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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 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 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | S | 120 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
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 | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 16.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1326 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 51 L |