2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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 (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 233 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 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
