1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fairlane. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 3220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2910 mm |
