2009 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 31 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, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 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 85 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 120 | S |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 157 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 340 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2870 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 85 L |