2008 BMW 325 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 30 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, 2008 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 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 140 kg more than 2008 BMW 325.
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, 2008 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
