2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 38 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
