1965 Mazda R 360 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mazda R 360 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 166 more horse power than 1965 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1965 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1091 kg more than 1965 Mazda R 360. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Mazda R 360 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | R 360 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 384 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1770 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
