1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1983 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1983 Ford Tempo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1983 Ford Tempo. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1983 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Tempo. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1983 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2540 mm |
