1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 926 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.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 654 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3170 mm |
