1981 Ford Taunus vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1981 Ford Taunus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (182 HP) has 125 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 590 kg more than 1981 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Taunus | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
