1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1971 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 411. 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 Mercedes-Benz 280 (260 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen 411. (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1971 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | 411 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
