1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 Citroen C5
To start off, 2011 Citroen C5 is newer by 38 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 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2011 Citroen C5. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2011 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C5 weights approximately 70 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, 2011 Citroen C5, 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, 2011 Citroen C5 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Citroen C5 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 | 2011 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Citroen |
| Model | 280 | C5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 71 L |
