2008 Honda S2000 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 Honda S2000 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2008 Honda S2000.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda S2000. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda S2000 has manual transmission. 2008 Honda S2000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda S2000 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S2000 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.2 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
