1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | 280 | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
