1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 90 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 280 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2860 mm |
