1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 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 52 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 85 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
