1992 Mazda 626 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1992 Mazda 626 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP) has 76 more horse power than 1992 Mazda 626. (106 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 370 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 1980 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 1980 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda 626. (157 Nm). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda 626. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1992 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1992 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda 626 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1550 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 |
