1985 Ford Tempo vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1985 Ford Tempo. (90 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1985 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Tempo, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Tempo. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Tempo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Tempo | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tempo | 500 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2810 mm |
