1998 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 20 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 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 739 kg more than 1998 BMW 320.
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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 320 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 320 | S |
Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 2215 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |