2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 789 kg more than 2005 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Fiesta. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
