1970 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. 1970 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Vega | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Vega | 280 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 64 L |
