1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2010 Kia Forte
To start off, 2010 Kia Forte is newer by 31 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, 2010 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Forte 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 151 kg more than 2010 Kia Forte.
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, 2010 Kia Forte, 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, 2010 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Forte 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 | 2010 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 300 | Forte |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1294 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
