1963 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra 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 510 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra 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 1963 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1963 AC Cobra 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:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | 280 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 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 | 1050 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
