1977 Ford Taunus vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (88 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 75 kg more than 1977 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Ford Taunus 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 1977 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | A |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1292 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
