1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 27 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 310 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
