1966 Ford GT 40 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 424 kg more than 1966 Ford GT 40.
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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford GT 40 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 40 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1040 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 90 L |
