1989 Maserati 228 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1989 Maserati 228 is newer by 15 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Maserati 228 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Maserati 228 (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Maserati 228 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1989 Maserati 228.
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, 1989 Maserati 228 (366 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Maserati 228 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1989 Maserati 228 has manual transmission. 1989 Maserati 228 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Maserati 228 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 228 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2830 mm |
