1983 Dodge Daytona vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1983 Dodge Daytona is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1983 Dodge Daytona. (97 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 Dodge Daytona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1983 Dodge Daytona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Daytona, 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Dodge Daytona. (162 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Dodge Daytona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Daytona | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Daytona | 280 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2212 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2830 mm |
