1961 Jaguar E-Type vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Jaguar E-Type. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Jaguar E-Type would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Jaguar E-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Jaguar E-Type (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Jaguar E-Type should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1961 Jaguar E-Type.
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, 1961 Jaguar E-Type (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1961 Jaguar E-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1961 Jaguar E-Type has manual transmission. 1961 Jaguar E-Type 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:
| 1961 Jaguar E-Type | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-Type | 280 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
