1978 Ford Taunus vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1978 Ford Taunus is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 498 kg more than 1978 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | 230 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3400 mm |
