2006 BMW 730 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 BMW 730 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 730 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 730 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2006 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 730 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 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 Weight | 1820 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 85 L |
