1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 6,558 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 640 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (440 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 280 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 6558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |
