1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (106 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 509 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 420 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2580 mm |
