1961 Mazda R 360 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1961 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 1245 kg more than 1961 Mazda R 360. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mazda R 360 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | R 360 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 380 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1770 mm | 3080 mm |
