1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2005 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2005 Ford Mustang is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 88 kg more than 2005 Ford Mustang.
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, 2005 Ford Mustang (335 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2005 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2005 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 280 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 100.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1387 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
