1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1979 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1979 Peugeot 304 is newer by 20 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 51 more horse power than 1979 Peugeot 304. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1979 Peugeot 304. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1979 Peugeot 304. 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, 1979 Peugeot 304, 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Peugeot 304. (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1979 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | 220 | 304 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 42 L |
