1971 Honda Life vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1070 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1971 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1971 Honda Life 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:
| 1971 Honda Life | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Life | 280 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
