1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 313 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
