2001 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2001 Ford Focus is newer by 23 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 109 more horse power than 2001 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2001 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Focus, 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Focus. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Ford Focus | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Focus | 280 |
Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 73 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 125 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1475 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2800 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |