1997 Ford Scorpio vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1997 Ford Scorpio is newer by 19 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Ford Scorpio. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Scorpio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Scorpio weights approximately 81 kg more than 1978 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, 1997 Ford Scorpio (293 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Scorpio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Scorpio | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Scorpio | 280 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 293 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1556 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
