1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 4,143 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 296 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird. 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (325 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sunbird | 280 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4143 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
