1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Seat Altea. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2004 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Altea weights approximately 105 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Seat Altea, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Seat Altea. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Seat Altea.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | 280 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
