1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2010 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2010 Land Rover Defender 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 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1078 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.
Because 2010 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Land Rover |
| Model | 300 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
