1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1973 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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2400 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 95 L |
