1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2010 Audi A4
To start off, 2010 Audi A4 is newer by 31 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, 2010 Audi A4 (211 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Audi A4 weights approximately 85 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 2010 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Audi A4 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, 2010 Audi A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Audi A4 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 2010 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 2010 Audi A4 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 | 2010 Audi A4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | 280 | A4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1826 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2809 mm |
