1979 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,330 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 720 kg more than 2012 BMW 550.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600. (501 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6330 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2968 mm |
