1954 DKW Coupe vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 DKW Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 DKW Coupe would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1954 DKW Coupe. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1954 DKW Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 666 kg more than 1954 DKW Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 DKW Coupe, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 DKW Coupe. (69 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 DKW Coupe. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1954 DKW Coupe has manual transmission. 1954 DKW Coupe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 DKW Coupe | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Coupe | 300 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 879 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3080 mm |
