1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 682 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 300 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2110 mm |
