1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 19 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 (296 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 (410 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 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. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 78 L |
