1985 Ford RS 200 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Ford RS 200 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1985 Ford RS 200.
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, 1985 Ford RS 200 (293 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford RS 200 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RS 200 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 293 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.7 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 65 L |
