2008 Ford Mondeo vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Ford Mondeo is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mondeo (224 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 104 kg more than 2008 Ford Mondeo.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo, 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 Mondeo (280 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mondeo | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mondeo | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 85 L |
