2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (260 HP) has 126 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 381 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 2008 Ford Taurus X (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus X | 230 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 72 L |
