1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 77 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner, 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 300 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 78 L |
