1959 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 3,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Aston Martin DB4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Aston Martin DB4 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 158 kg more than 1959 Aston Martin DB4.
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, 1959 Aston Martin DB4 (360 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 Aston Martin DB4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Aston Martin DB4 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DB4 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3670 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 78 L |
