1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 280 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
