1971 Honda Z vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Z would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1971 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 998 kg more than 1971 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Z, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Z | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z | 280 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 355 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2760 mm |
