1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1990 Toyota Century
To start off, 1990 Toyota Century 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 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1990 Toyota Century. (153 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Toyota Century weights approximately 505 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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 Toyota Century (289 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1990 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1990 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Century |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2870 mm |
