1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1972 ZIL 117
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,959 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1505 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1972 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1972 ZIL 117 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 ZIL 117 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1972 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | ZIL |
| Model | 300 | 117 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 6959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3310 mm |
