1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2013 Ford Taurus is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Taurus (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Taurus weights approximately 298 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Ford Taurus (475 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2177 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2868 mm |
