1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 31 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 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 382 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 650 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 539 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2860 mm |
