1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R has automatic transmission and 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | R |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
