2001 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2001 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 25 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. (62 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 664 kg more than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Daihatsu Copen, 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Daihatsu Copen.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Daihatsu Copen | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Copen | 280 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 56.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 79 L |
