1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1976 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | 230 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
