1941 Mercedes-Benz 320 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 379 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320. (222 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1941 Mercedes-Benz 320 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1941 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3208 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2800 mm |
