1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 85 L |
