1996 Ford Indigo vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Ford Indigo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ford Indigo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Indigo (430 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Indigo should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 385 kg more than 1996 Ford Indigo.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Indigo (549 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Indigo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Indigo has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Indigo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Indigo | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Indigo | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 549 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2090 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
