2008 Ford E-250 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2008 Ford E-250 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford E-250 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford E-250 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 2008 Ford E-250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford E-250 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-250 | A |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.5 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 54 L |
