1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 985 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
