1988 Lincoln Mark 7 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 (226 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mark 7 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
