1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2009 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2009 Subaru Impreza is newer by 30 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, 2009 Subaru Impreza (306 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 73 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 2009 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Subaru Impreza (393 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Impreza 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 2009 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Impreza 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 | 2009 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | 280 | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2630 mm |
