1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1976 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen 1302 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 804 kg more than 1976 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 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 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 1976 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1976 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 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 | 1560 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
