1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1973 Toyota Century
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Century. (157 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Toyota Century weights approximately 105 kg more than 1993 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, both vehicles can yield 270 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1973 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Century |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2870 mm |
