1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 40 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 67 kg more than 2013 Nissan Z.
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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 280 | Z |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11:01:00 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 72 L |
