1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charmant | 280 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2940 mm |
