1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1995 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 17 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 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 125 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, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Vauxhall Carlton 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 | 1995 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | 280 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2740 mm |
