1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 390 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fairlane. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
