2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | 280 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 65 L |
