1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. Both 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 and 1972 Mercedes-Benz E are equipped with a 2,746 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | E |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2760 mm |
