1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1974 Ford Fairlane is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 123 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
