1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1997 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1997 Toyota MR2 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1997 Toyota MR2. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 94 kg more than 1997 Toyota MR2. 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1997 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 300 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| 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 | 215 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
