1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 33 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 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar 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 203 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
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, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 280 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 58 L |
