1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 154 kg more than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 90 L |
