2003 Kia Opirus vs. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Kia Opirus is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2003 Kia Opirus. (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Opirus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 375 kg more than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1963 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 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus, 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, 2003 Kia Opirus (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2003 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Opirus | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
