1958 Abarth 600 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 975 kg more than 1958 Abarth 600. 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2830 mm |
