2002 Ferrari 360 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2002 Ferrari 360 is newer by 24 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 3,573 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ferrari 360 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ferrari 360 (400 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 Ferrari 360.
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, 2002 Ferrari 360 (373 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Ferrari 360 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ferrari 360 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 360 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3573 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 290 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 65 L |
