1996 Aston Martin Virage vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Aston Martin Virage is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Aston Martin Virage should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 440 kg more than 1974 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, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (450 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Aston Martin Virage | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Virage | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 344 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
