1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1988 Saab 900i
To start off, 1988 Saab 900i is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 900i (135 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900i should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1988 Saab 900i.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900i, 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, 1988 Saab 900i (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 900i will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1988 Saab 900i | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 300 | 900i |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3005 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 58 L |
