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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 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 826 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 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 | 2778 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| 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 | 2121 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
