1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 255 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
