1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 20 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | 300S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 85 L |
