1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (286 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 weights approximately 1204 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 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 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (410 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | 400 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3150 mm |
