1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (192 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 351 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 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (436 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
| Model | S | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 16:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 68 L |
