2005 Ford Ranger vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Ranger (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 307 kg more than 2005 Ford Ranger.
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, both vehicles can yield 172 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ranger | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 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 | 1323 kg | 1630 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
