1978 Ford Taunus vs. 1983 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz G (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 860 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.
Because 1983 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz G (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 1983 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | G |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
