2002 Ford Fiesta vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2002 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (99 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2002 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Fiesta | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | 230 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
