1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1968 Saab 99
To start off, 1968 Saab 99 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 (115 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1968 Saab 99. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1968 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1968 Saab 99. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Saab 99, 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, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Saab 99. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Saab 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1968 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 220 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 54 L |
