1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2000 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2000 Opel Zafira is newer by 21 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 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Zafira (101 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Zafira 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 550 kg more than 2000 Opel Zafira.
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, 2000 Opel Zafira, 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, 2000 Opel Zafira (203 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm). This means 2000 Opel Zafira 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 | 2000 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 300 | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 94.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
