1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1971 Opel Manta
To start off, 1971 Opel Manta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1971 Opel Manta. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 680 kg more than 1971 Opel Manta. 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Manta. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1971 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 280 | Manta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2440 mm |
