1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Ford E-350
To start off, 2012 Ford E-350 is newer by 44 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1220 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2012 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2012 Ford E-350 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. 2012 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 280 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 2111 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 132 L |
