1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, both 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 and 1973 Volkswagen 1302 were released in the same year (1973). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 151 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 865 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. 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 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1973 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
