2001 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 815 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 600 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5437 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3910 mm |
