1993 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E (375 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz E | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | 280 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 64 L |
