2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1296 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Five Hundred | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
