1988 Ford Sierra vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 540 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sierra | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2950 mm |
