1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 1 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 63 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 260 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2810 mm |
