2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1988 Ford Meteor
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Meteor, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 1988 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | C | Meteor |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4592 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1445 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
