2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 150 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. 1998 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | A | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2084 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
