1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 162 kg more than 2010 Nissan Altima. 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, 2010 Nissan Altima, 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 280 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2675 mm |
