1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1981 Toyota Carina is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. 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 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 61 L |
