1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1976 Audi 80
To start off, 1976 Audi 80 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1976 Audi 80. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1976 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1976 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Audi 80, 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 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Audi 80. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Audi 80. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1976 Audi 80 has manual transmission. 1976 Audi 80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1976 Audi 80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | 450 | 80 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2550 mm |
