1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1979 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1979 Peugeot 304 is newer by 6 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1979 Peugeot 304. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1979 Peugeot 304. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1979 Peugeot 304. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Peugeot 304, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Peugeot 304. (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Peugeot 304.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1979 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | 280 | 304 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 42 L |
