2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 23 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2950 mm |
