2001 Land Rover Freelander vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2001 Land Rover Freelander is newer by 23 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 7 more horse power than 2001 Land Rover Freelander. (175 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2001 Land Rover Freelander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Land Rover Freelander weights approximately 85 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 2001 Land Rover Freelander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Land Rover Freelander will offer significantly more control. 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, both vehicles can yield 240 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Land Rover Freelander | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Freelander | 280 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2800 mm |
