1996 AC Cobra vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 23 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 482 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra.
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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 78 L |
