1999 Kia Elan vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1999 Kia Elan. (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 317 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan, 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, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Elan | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | 300 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
