1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 (408 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1978 Volvo 343. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 (580 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 471 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 600 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 408 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
