1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 44 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | 280 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 62 L |
