1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (123 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 430 kg more than 1982 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | C |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
