1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 27 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 406 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 255 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 628 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
