2009 BMW M6 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW M6 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M6 (501 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M6 weights approximately 175 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, 2009 BMW M6 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M6 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M6 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 501 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 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 | 1785 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
