1997 Ford Mustang vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1997 Ford Mustang is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (178 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 300 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
