1995 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 22 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 335 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1995 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. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz E | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | 280 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
