2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1230 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1978 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | ZIL |
| Model | E | 117 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 3310 mm |
