2006 BMW 550 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 28 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 4,801 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW 550 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 550 | S |
Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4801 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 360 HP | 157 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 488 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2870 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |