1973 Datsun Laurel vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1973 Datsun Laurel. (124 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1973 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 19 kg more than 1973 Datsun Laurel. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Datsun Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Datsun Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Datsun Laurel | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Datsun | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Laurel | 280 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
