1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 273 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 464 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 251 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2850 mm |
