1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1979 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 230 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2308 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5340 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3400 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 65 L |
