2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 745 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 503 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2580 mm |
