1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 18 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (200 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 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 80 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Lumina | S |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 157 HP |
Torque | 311 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2870 mm |