1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 56 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | 280 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
