1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2003 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2003 Toyota Sienna is newer by 30 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 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Sienna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Sienna. (173 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Sienna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 197 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Sienna, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Toyota Sienna (294 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2003 Toyota Sienna 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. 2003 Toyota Sienna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2003 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Sienna |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2910 mm |
