2003 Honda NSX vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Honda NSX is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (195 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2003 Honda NSX.
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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda NSX. (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda NSX | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
