1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (212 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | 300 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
