1986 Ford Orion vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 13 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 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 782 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 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 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1986 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:
| 1986 Ford Orion | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Orion | 450 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2870 mm |
