1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 527 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 2013 Volkswagen Touareg is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg (361 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 12.0: 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4795 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
