2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 452 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Explorer | 420 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 3080 mm |
