1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 24 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 225 kg more than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 | 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 300 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2570 mm |
