1989 Holden Barina vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Holden Barina 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 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Holden Barina. (67 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1989 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1989 Holden Barina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Barina, 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Barina. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Barina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Holden Barina | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barina | 300 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2250 mm | 2800 mm |
