1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 34 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 59 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 22 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 350 | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2920 mm |
