1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1988 TVR Tuscan
To start off, 1988 TVR Tuscan 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 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 TVR Tuscan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 TVR Tuscan (225 HP) has 91 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 TVR Tuscan 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 564 kg more than 1988 TVR Tuscan.
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 TVR Tuscan (298 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 TVR Tuscan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 1988 TVR Tuscan has manual transmission. 1988 TVR Tuscan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1988 TVR Tuscan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | 230 | Tuscan |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 225 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2290 mm |
