2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 441 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has manual transmission. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | 350 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2470 mm |
