2007 Mazda 3 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 272 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
