1988 Ford Fiesta vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 572 kg more than 1988 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (301 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fiesta | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 768 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2570 mm |
