2009 Honda Odyssey vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 Honda Odyssey is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 254 kg more than 2009 Honda Odyssey.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey, 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, 2009 Honda Odyssey (325 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2009 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Odyssey | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 95 L |
