1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 25 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. (153 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 256 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am (455 Nm) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2001 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 280 | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
