1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 36 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, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul 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 217 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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, 2012 Kia Soul (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul 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 | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 300 | Soul |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3005 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 48 L |
