1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1974 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1974 Opel Ascona is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 (109 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1974 Opel Ascona. 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 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1974 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 300 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2440 mm |
