2006 Dodge Viper vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 Dodge Viper is newer by 33 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 8,274 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Viper (510 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Viper weights approximately 15 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, 2006 Dodge Viper (725 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 487 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Viper | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8274 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 725 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 78 L |
