1949 Allard J1 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1949 Allard J1. (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1949 Allard J1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1949 Allard J1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1949 Allard J1 (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1949 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Allard | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | J1 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 79 L |
