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 (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 246 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 765 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600.
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 | 5437 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2005 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 3910 mm |
