1996 Mazda MPV vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1996 Mazda MPV is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MPV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MPV (114 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MPV should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MPV weights approximately 434 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1996 Mazda MPV (277 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MPV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MPV | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MPV | 230 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2800 mm |
