1991 Ford Fairlane vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1991 Ford Fairlane is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1991 Ford Fairlane. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 36 kg more than 1974 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, 1991 Ford Fairlane (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Fairlane | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | 280 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2830 mm |
