1980 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 402 kg more than 1980 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
