1979 Citroen GSA vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1979 Citroen GSA is newer by 3 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 (80 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1979 Citroen GSA. (63 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen GSA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1979 Citroen GSA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Citroen GSA, 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 300 (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen GSA. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen GSA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen GSA | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GSA | 300 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 65 L |
