2002 Buick Rendezvous vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2002 Buick Rendezvous is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Buick Rendezvous is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Buick Rendezvous (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Buick Rendezvous should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Buick Rendezvous weights approximately 279 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Buick Rendezvous, 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, 2002 Buick Rendezvous (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Buick Rendezvous will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Buick Rendezvous | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rendezvous | 280 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1839 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2940 mm |
