1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Altima (175 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Altima weights approximately 18 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima, 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, 2004 Nissan Altima (244 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 230 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
