1980 Ford Laser vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1980 Ford Laser is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 920 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Laser | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Laser | 300 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2860 mm |
