1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S vs. 1971 Renault 17
To start off, 1971 Renault 17 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Renault 17 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17 should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S weights approximately 255 kg more than 1971 Renault 17.
Because 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S 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 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17, 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, 1971 Renault 17 (133 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Renault 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | 1971 Renault 17 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 170S | 17 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
