1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 443 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 400 kg more than 1976 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 629 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3005 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2585 mm |
