1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 41 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 57 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 569 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 300 | Soul |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 48 L |
