1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Lada Niva
To start off, 2012 Lada Niva is newer by 39 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2012 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2012 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lada |
| Model | 280 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1688 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 137 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
