1988 Ford Falcon vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500

To start off, 1988 Ford Falcon is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1988 Ford Falcon. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Falcon. (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Falcon. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Ford Falcon 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
Make Ford Mercedes-Benz
Model Falcon 500
Year Released 1988 1979
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3949 cc 4973 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 161 HP 240 HP
Engine RPM 4250 RPM 4750 RPM
Torque 311 Nm 401 Nm
Torque RPM 3250 RPM 3200 RPM
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1430 kg 1620 kg
Vehicle Length 4820 mm 5000 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2800 mm 2940 mm