1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1978 Reliant SE6. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 550 kg more than 1978 Reliant SE6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant SE6. (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant SE6. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1978 Reliant SE6 has manual transmission. 1978 Reliant SE6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | S | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
