1999 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 75 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
