1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,786 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 295 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 S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2786 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2950 mm |
