1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 162 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
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 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 79 L |
