2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 13 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | A |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2430 mm |
