1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1988 Ford Aerostar
To start off, 1988 Ford Aerostar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Aerostar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Aerostar (143 HP) has 9 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Aerostar should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1988 Ford Aerostar.
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, 1988 Ford Aerostar (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Aerostar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1988 Ford Aerostar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 230 | Aerostar |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 143 HP |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3030 mm |
