1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | C |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 66 L |
