1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2004 Toyota Previa
To start off, 2004 Toyota Previa is newer by 26 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Previa. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Previa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Previa weights approximately 135 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Previa, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Previa. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Previa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2004 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Previa |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 75 L |
