1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 353 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP) has 189 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 438 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | 300 | 353 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 44 L |
