1996 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Land Rover Discovery 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 3,944 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Land Rover Discovery. (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1996 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 475 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1996 Land Rover Discovery 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 Land Rover Discovery 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, 1996 Land Rover Discovery (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Land Rover Discovery | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Discovery | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3944 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2870 mm |
