2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (261 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 134 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2950 mm |
