2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 26 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 99 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1362 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ranger | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2460 mm |
