1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 19 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 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 490 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 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 950 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 539 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK GTR | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6898 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 770 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2870 mm |
