1970 AMC Gremlin vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Gremlin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Gremlin would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 AMC Gremlin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1970 AMC Gremlin. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1970 AMC Gremlin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 393 kg more than 1970 AMC Gremlin. 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, 1970 AMC Gremlin (251 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Gremlin 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 1970 AMC Gremlin has manual transmission. 1970 AMC Gremlin 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:
| 1970 AMC Gremlin | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gremlin | 280 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 162 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1167 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
