1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Honda Pilot
To start off, 2011 Honda Pilot is newer by 33 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Pilot (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Pilot weights approximately 367 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2011 Honda Pilot, 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, 2011 Honda Pilot (343 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Pilot 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 | 2011 Honda Pilot | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | S | Pilot |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1977 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4849 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1994 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1847 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2774 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 79 L |
