1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 210 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang.
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 Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
