1993 Ferrari 456 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Ferrari 456 is newer by 20 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 Ferrari 456 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ferrari 456 (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ferrari 456 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ferrari 456 weights approximately 187 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1993 Ferrari 456 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Ferrari 456 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ferrari 456 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 456 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 78 L |
