1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 1986 Saab 9000
To start off, 1986 Saab 9000 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1986 Saab 9000. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1986 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1986 Saab 9000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 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 350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Saab 9000, 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 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Saab 9000. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 1986 Saab 9000 has manual transmission. 1986 Saab 9000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1986 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 350 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
