1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 18 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 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 517 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 598 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 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 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 770 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2680 mm |
