1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 21 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (195 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude 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 83 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (211 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prelude | 280 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1381 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 79 L |
