1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2013 Ford Expedition

To start off, 2013 Ford Expedition is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Expedition (306 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Expedition weights approximately 1357 kg more than 1973 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, 2013 Ford Expedition (495 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2013 Ford Expedition has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 2013 Ford Expedition
Make Mercedes-Benz Ford
Model 280 Expedition
Year Released 1973 2013
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2778 cc 5400 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 170 HP 306 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 5100 RPM
Torque 240 Nm 495 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 3600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86.5 mm 90 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78.8 mm 105 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 9.8:1
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 8 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1295 kg 2652 kg
Vehicle Length 4310 mm 5245 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 2332 mm
Vehicle Height 1320 mm 1961 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 3023 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 106 L