1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1979 Saab 900 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1979 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1979 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 230 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 58 L |
