1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 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 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 60 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
