2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 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 1285 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 600 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 6329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3910 mm |
