1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2003 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2003 Skoda Octavia is newer by 23 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2003 Skoda Octavia. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2003 Skoda Octavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2003 Skoda Octavia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Skoda Octavia, 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, 2003 Skoda Octavia (311 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2003 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Skoda |
| Model | 280 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
