1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 28 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 601 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 280 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 2076 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 85 L |
