1979 Honda Accord vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1979 Honda Accord is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1979 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Accord, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | 280 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
