1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang 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 464 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 280 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2800 mm |
