1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1965 Saab MC
To start off, 1965 Saab MC is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1965 Saab MC. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1965 Saab MC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 407 kg more than 1965 Saab MC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Saab MC, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Saab MC. (91 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Saab MC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1965 Saab MC | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 230 | MC |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 841 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2500 mm |
