2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 26 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1355 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (311 Nm). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | 600 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3910 mm |
