1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1978 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 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 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 450 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2970 mm |
