1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 34 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS 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 648 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS 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 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | S | IS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2731 mm |
