1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1977 Datsun 280Z is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1977 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1977 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280Z. 1977 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Datsun |
| Model | 300 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 60 L |
