1999 Ford Falcon vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1999 Ford Falcon is newer by 26 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 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Falcon (232 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1999 Ford Falcon.
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, 1999 Ford Falcon (374 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Falcon | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Falcon | 280 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 95 L |
