1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 29 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 221 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 280 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
