2002 Ford Mustang vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2002 Ford Mustang is newer by 29 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (385 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 45 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mustang | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 280 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 95 L |
