1997 Kia Potentia vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1997 Kia Potentia is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1997 Kia Potentia. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Potentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 10 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Potentia. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Potentia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Potentia | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Potentia | 280 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
