2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 34 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 85 L |
