1998 Mazda MX-3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-3. (106 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 617 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-3, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-3. (134 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-3. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-3 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-3 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1059 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 95 L |
