1999 Honda Insight vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1999 Honda Insight is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (178 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1999 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1999 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Insight, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Insight. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 1999 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Insight | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | 300 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
