2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 25 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 187 kg more than 1978 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 (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
