1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1972 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1972 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 40 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 90 L |
