1961 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is newer by 1 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 134 kg more than 1960 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, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SE | 300 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 100 L |
