1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (248 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 786 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
