1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 164 kg more than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 90 L |
