1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1990 Opel Senator
To start off, 1990 Opel Senator is newer by 17 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Opel Senator (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Opel Senator weights approximately 62 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1990 Opel Senator (275 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Opel Senator 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 | 1990 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 280 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 75 L |
