1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 28 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 3,491 cc, 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 235 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (353 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z 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 2006 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 280 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
