1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (200 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
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 Mazda RX-7 (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2760 mm |
