1984 Fiat Panda vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1984 Fiat Panda is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1984 Fiat Panda. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 739 kg more than 1984 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat Panda. (69 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat Panda | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | 280 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 965 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.3 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 82 L |
