1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1980 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1980 Reliant SE6 is newer by 4 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant SE6 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1980 Reliant SE6.
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, 1980 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1980 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | 230 | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
