2008 BMW 523 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 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 725 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 523 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 523 | S |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2215 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2870 mm |