1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 24 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 227 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima 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 | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 300 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.3 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
