1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 280 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2840 mm |
