2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 366 kg more than 2005 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (208 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2460 mm |
