1996 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera 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 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera 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 78 kg more than 1996 De Tomaso Pantera.
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 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 De Tomaso Pantera | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pantera | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
