1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 51 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 326 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S 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 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S has manual transmission. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 300S | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 54 L |
