2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 175 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
