1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 35 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z 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 37 kg more than 2013 Nissan Z.
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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z 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 | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11:01:00 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 72 L |
