1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 33 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, 2011 BMW X3 (311 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 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 845 kg more than 2011 BMW X3.
Because 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 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, 2011 BMW X3 (630 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 600 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6329 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2810 mm |
