2009 BMW 335 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 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 615 kg more than 2009 BMW 335.
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 335 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 335 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 335 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
