2000 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2000 Ford Taurus is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2000 Ford Taurus. (156 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 39 kg more than 2000 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2000 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Taurus | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | 280 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1521 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2940 mm |
