1979 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 845 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
