1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1974 Audi 80
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Audi 80 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Audi 80. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 478 kg more than 1974 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Audi 80, 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Audi 80. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Audi 80. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1974 Audi 80 has manual transmission. 1974 Audi 80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1974 Audi 80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | 300 | 80 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
