1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 675 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
