1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 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 8 more horse power than 2012 BMW 550. (400 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2012 BMW 550. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600. (580 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 408 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
