2003 Infiniti M vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 Infiniti M is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Infiniti M (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Infiniti M weights approximately 247 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Infiniti M (451 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2003 Infiniti M has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Infiniti M | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1747 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 82 L |
