1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,329 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 895 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6329 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2970 mm |
