1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 717 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | A |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2033 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 273 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
