1976 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 3 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (59 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (126 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler 1609 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1609 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1918 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
