1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 34 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 975 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6329 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2760 mm |
