1999 BMW Z9 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 BMW Z9 is newer by 21 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z9 (242 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z9 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 585 kg more than 1999 BMW Z9.
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, 1999 BMW Z9 (560 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z9 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z9 | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3060 mm | 2870 mm |
