1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 2001 Audi S3
To start off, 2001 Audi S3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi S3 (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 210 kg more than 2001 Audi S3.
Because 2001 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi S3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Audi S3 (270 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Audi S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 2001 Audi S3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | 300S | S3 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 42 L |
