1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 33 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 12 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 6. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 9 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, 2011 Mazda 6, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 6. 2011 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | 280 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
