2005 Ford Econovan vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Ford Econovan is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2005 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2005 Ford Econovan. 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Econovan | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Econovan | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1788 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2870 mm |
