1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Dodge Aspen is newer by 2 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 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 24 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Aspen | 280 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2800 mm |
