1990 Ford Tempo vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1990 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1990 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Tempo, 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Tempo | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tempo | 280 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2700 mm |
