1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX 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 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 178 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-MX | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
