2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (264 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 438 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X, 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus X | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
