2006 Honda Pilot vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 Honda Pilot is newer by 27 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 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 485 kg more than 2006 Honda Pilot.
Because 2006 Honda Pilot is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Pilot (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Pilot | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pilot | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |
