1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 10 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 59 more horse power than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. 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 (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (156 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | 280 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |
