1975 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,096 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Fairlane (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 355 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Fairlane 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 1975 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1975 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | A |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4096 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
