1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 600. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 977 kg more than 1962 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 600. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
