1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 115 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, 2012 Mazda 6, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 6. 2012 Mazda 6 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. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | 280 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
