1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. (109 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 210 kg more than 1968 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 Mercedes-Benz S (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2810 mm |
