2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 30 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 281 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | 280 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 305 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 434 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1295 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 64 L |