1989 Holden Apollo vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Holden Apollo is newer by 10 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, 1989 Holden Apollo (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Holden Apollo should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1989 Holden Apollo.
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, 1989 Holden Apollo, 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Apollo. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Apollo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Holden Apollo | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Apollo | 300 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3430 mm |
