1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 52 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 70 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 350 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | E |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
