1. What was the old man like?

Question

- He looked mean.

2. What did the older man look like?
- He looked mean.

(Which question is suitable for the answer?)

Answer 1

#2 is suitable for that particular answer.

Other answers for #1 could be these:

He was grouchy.
He was very pleasant to be around.
He was quite active in the swimming club.
He was a very loving grandfather.
(and on and on!!)