2001 BMW 530 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 BMW 530 is newer by 23 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 530 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 530 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 635 kg more than 2001 BMW 530.
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, 2001 BMW 530 (411 Nm) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm). This means 2001 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 530 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
