1973 Austin Marina vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin Marina would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1973 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1973 Austin Marina. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Marina. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1973 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1973 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Marina | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Marina | 280 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2800 mm |
