1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 162 kg more than 1973 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | 280 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
