1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1963 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Wartburg 311 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 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1963 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1963 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1963 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1963 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | 280 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 43 L |
