2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta 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 300 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2008 Ford Fiesta (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | 300 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1559 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
