2009 Dodge Ram vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Dodge Ram 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Ram (345 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram 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 524 kg more than 2009 Dodge Ram.
Because 2009 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Ram (510 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Ram | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ram | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6350 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2000 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4080 mm | 2870 mm |
