1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200. (173 Nm). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 200 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2810 mm |
