1981 Ford Taunus vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (303 HP) has 246 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 550 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (410 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Taunus | 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 303 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
