1988 Lada Niva vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 15 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 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (57 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva 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, 1988 Lada Niva 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 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (114 Nm @ 2070 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | 280 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2070 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 120 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
