1994 Lancia Kappa vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1994 Lancia Kappa is newer by 5 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 26 more horse power than 1994 Lancia Kappa. (205 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1994 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 8 kg more than 1994 Lancia Kappa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1994 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1994 Lancia Kappa (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1994 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lancia Kappa | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Kappa | 300 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
