1996 Mazda MPV vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Mazda MPV 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 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MPV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MPV. (146 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MPV weights approximately 425 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MPV. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MPV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MPV | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MPV | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
