1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 504 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 280 | S |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 185 HP | 317 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 470 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2004 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5120 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3150 mm |