1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 722 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prefect | 280 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2460 mm |
