2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 31 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | 280 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
