2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (451 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1978 ZIL 117. (296 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 ZIL 117. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1195 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 ZIL 117. (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 ZIL 117.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | ZIL |
| Model | C | 117 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 451 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3310 mm |
