1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 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 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 410 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.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
