1977 Audi 100 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1977 Audi 100 is newer by 1 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 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1977 Audi 100. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1977 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 304 kg more than 1977 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1977 Audi 100, 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Audi 100. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Audi 100 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2144 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 79 L |
