1988 BMW 530 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 1988 BMW 530 is newer by 10 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1988 BMW 530. (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1177 kg more than 1988 BMW 530. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 530. (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | 600 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3910 mm |
