2006 Ford Fusion vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 Ford Fusion is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fusion. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 438 kg more than 2006 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fusion, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fusion. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fusion | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.8 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 95 L |
