1992 Mazda 626 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1992 Mazda 626 is newer by 16 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 (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1992 Mazda 626. (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 276 kg more than 1992 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Mazda 626, 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda 626. (221 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda 626 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2830 mm |
