2003 Honda Insight vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 Honda Insight is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 720 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Insight, 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Insight | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2830 mm |
