1952 Abarth 1500 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Abarth 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Abarth 1500 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1952 Abarth 1500. (75 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1952 Abarth 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1952 Abarth 1500. 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. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1952 Abarth 1500 has manual transmission. 1952 Abarth 1500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Abarth 1500 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1500 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1479 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2800 mm |
