1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2011 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. (136 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 14 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Transit Connect, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Transit Connect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2011 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 280 | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 58 L |
