2002 Ford Fiesta vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Ford Fiesta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 400 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Fiesta | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2950 mm |
