1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 Tata Nano
To start off, 2011 Tata Nano 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 147 more horse power than 2011 Tata Nano. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2011 Tata Nano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 875 kg more than 2011 Tata Nano. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Tata Nano. (48 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Tata Nano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2011 Tata Nano | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tata |
| Model | 280 | Nano |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 624 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 48 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 105 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3099 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1495 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1652 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 37 L |
