2004 Mazda 2 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (113 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 2. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2004 Mazda 2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2, 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, 2004 Mazda 2 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 2 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
