1992 BMW 332 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1992 BMW 332 is newer by 14 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 3,152 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 332 (317 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 332 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 210 kg more than 1992 BMW 332.
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, 1992 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 332 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 332 | S |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3152 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
