2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
