1972 Honda 1300 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1972 Honda 1300 is newer by 1 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 119 more horse power than 1972 Honda 1300. (81 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 653 kg more than 1972 Honda 1300. 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, 1972 Honda 1300, 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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda 1300. (105 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda 1300 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1300 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3499 cc |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2200 mm | 2470 mm |
