1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2005 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2005 Nissan Sentra is newer by 26 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 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Sentra (165 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Sentra 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 191 kg more than 2005 Nissan Sentra.
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, 2005 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2005 Nissan Sentra (244 Nm) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Sentra 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 | 2005 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 300 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
