1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 34 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (188 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 635 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | R |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
