1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 22 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 61 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 300 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
