1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2002 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2002 TVR Chimaera is newer by 24 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 TVR Chimaera 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 415 kg more than 2002 TVR Chimaera.
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, 2002 TVR Chimaera (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2002 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 2002 TVR Chimaera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2002 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | 280 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 57 L |
