1984 Ford Orion vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (54 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1984 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Orion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Orion | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Orion | 450 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1606 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 95 L |
