2002 Ford Fiesta vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (248 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (99 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 925 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 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Fiesta. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Fiesta | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
