1959 Berkeley Twosome vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Twosome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Twosome 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 164 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (18 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Twosome, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (37 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Twosome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Twosome | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Twosome | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 328 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 305 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2800 mm |
