1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1991 Toyota Previa
To start off, 1991 Toyota Previa is newer by 15 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 42 more horse power than 1991 Toyota Previa. (132 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1991 Toyota Previa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Toyota Previa weights approximately 55 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Toyota Previa, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Toyota Previa. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Toyota Previa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1991 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Previa |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2436 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
