1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (310 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | 300 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3150 mm |
