2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 44 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. (238 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 769 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2003 Chevrolet SSR has automatic transmission and 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SSR | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
