2004 Maserati MC12 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 Maserati MC12 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (2 cylinders), 2004 Maserati MC12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Maserati MC12 (623 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 543 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Maserati MC12 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2004 Maserati MC12.
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, 2004 Maserati MC12 (652 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 481 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Maserati MC12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Maserati MC12 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MC12 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 623 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2100 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 65 L |
