1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1997 TVR Griffith
To start off, 1997 TVR Griffith is newer by 19 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 TVR Griffith is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Griffith (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Griffith should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 413 kg more than 1997 TVR Griffith.
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, 1997 TVR Griffith (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Griffith 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 | 1997 TVR Griffith | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | 280 | Griffith |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 57 L |
