1974 Buick Centurion vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1974 Buick Centurion is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Centurion (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Centurion weights approximately 290 kg more than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1974 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Centurion | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Centurion | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2910 mm |
