1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2013 Ford Flex
To start off, 2013 Ford Flex is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Flex (281 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Flex weights approximately 471 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Ford Flex is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Ford Flex will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Flex. (346 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2013 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 450 | Flex |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 2106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5125 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2256 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1726 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2994 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
