1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fairlane (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 440 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ford Fairlane 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 1989 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1989 Ford Fairlane (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. 1989 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | A |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2430 mm |
