1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 53 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, 2004 Opel Astra (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Astra 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 95 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra.
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, 2004 Opel Astra, 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, 2004 Opel Astra (241 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra 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 | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 300S | Astra |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 52 L |
