1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 668 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.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 280 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1847 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
