1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,604 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (174 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 576 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (425 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 425 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2860 mm |
