1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (123 HP @ 4350 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 782 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 300 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
