1989 Cadillac Seville vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1989 Cadillac Seville is newer by 16 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 4,473 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1989 Cadillac Seville. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1989 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 58 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Cadillac Seville, 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, 1989 Cadillac Seville (325 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1989 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Cadillac Seville | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seville | 280 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4473 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
