1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2001 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2001 Subaru Forester is newer by 22 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, 2001 Subaru Forester (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Subaru Forester 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 245 kg more than 2001 Subaru Forester.
Because 2001 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Subaru Forester (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Subaru Forester 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 | 2001 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | 300 | Forester |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2530 mm |
