1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1960 Renault Dauphine
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1960 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1960 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 663 kg more than 1960 Renault Dauphine. 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 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Renault Dauphine. (45 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1960 Renault Dauphine | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 280 | Dauphine |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 843 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 45 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 54.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 38 L |
