2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 895 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 600 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 3910 mm |
