1978 Ford Taunus vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 545 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 70 L |
