1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1988 Toyota Supra
To start off, 1988 Toyota Supra is newer by 15 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 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Supra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Supra (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Supra should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1988 Toyota Supra.
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, 1988 Toyota Supra (259 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Supra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1988 Toyota Supra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Supra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 50 L |
