1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2004 Opel Vectra. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Vectra weights approximately 118 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1959 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra, 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 Vectra (316 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 300 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 61 L |
