1961 Ford Taunus vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1961 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
