1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2002 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2002 Opel Vectra is newer by 23 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, 2002 Opel Vectra (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Vectra 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 265 kg more than 2002 Opel Vectra.
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, 2002 Opel Vectra, 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, 2002 Opel Vectra (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Vectra 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 | 2002 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 300 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
