1988 Ford Meteor vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1988 Ford Meteor 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 169 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Meteor, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Meteor. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Meteor has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Meteor 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 Meteor | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Meteor | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2940 mm |
