1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1981 Triumph TR7 is newer by 8 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 2,745 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 81 more horse power than 1981 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1981 Triumph TR7. 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Triumph |
| Model | 280 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 55 L |
