2006 Maserati MC12 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 Maserati MC12 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Maserati MC12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Maserati MC12 (623 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 467 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Maserati MC12 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2006 Maserati MC12.
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 Maserati MC12 (652 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Maserati MC12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Maserati MC12 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MC12 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 623 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 330 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2100 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
