1980 Ford Taunus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP) has 332 more horse power than 1980 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1980 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 477 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Taunus. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Taunus. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Taunus | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 389 HP |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
