2008 Ford E-350 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Ford E-350 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 413 kg more than 2008 Ford E-350.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-350, 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-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. 2008 Ford E-350 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford E-350 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-350 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2950 mm |
