1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1972 Plymouth Valiant is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | 320 | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3208 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2750 mm |
