1983 Ford Fairlane vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 610 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Ford Fairlane 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fairlane | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | A |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
