2004 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 26 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 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria (239 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 365 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, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria (374 Nm) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Crown Victoria | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Crown Victoria | 280 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
