2008 BMW 120 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 29 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 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 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 170 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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, 2008 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2008 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
