1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 230 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
