2009 Honda FR-V vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 Honda FR-V 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Honda FR-V. (123 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda FR-V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2009 Honda FR-V. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda FR-V, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda FR-V. (154 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda FR-V.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda FR-V | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | FR-V | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1466 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 90 L |
