1987 Mazda 323 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1987 Mazda 323 is newer by 8 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 323. (66 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 760 kg more than 1987 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Mazda 323, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 323. (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Mazda 323 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 323 | 300 |
Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1324 cc | 2996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 66 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 101 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1630 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3430 mm |