1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touran
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touran 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 2,745 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 47 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Touran. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Touran. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 284 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Touran. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volkswagen Touran, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touran (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touran will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2012 Volkswagen Touran 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 Volkswagen Touran will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Volkswagen Touran | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | Touran |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 60 L |
