2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 36 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 5,652 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (368 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 452 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2009 Dodge Charger (536 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2009 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charger | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5652 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 368 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 536 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 78 L |
