1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Ford Flex
To start off, 2012 Ford Flex is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Flex weights approximately 362 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Flex, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Flex. (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Flex |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 2028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2995 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
