1968 Ford 17 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 53 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (81 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (132 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 17 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1812 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
