1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2008 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2008 Nissan Frontier is newer by 29 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 845 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Nissan Frontier, 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, 2008 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2008 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 280 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3200 mm |
