1972 AMC Matador vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 4 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador.
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, 1972 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1972 AMC Matador 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. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Matador | 280 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 95 L |
