1951 Ford Vedette vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Vedette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Vedette would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 538 more horse power than 1951 Ford Vedette. (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Vedette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 992 kg more than 1951 Ford Vedette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 878 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Vedette. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Vedette. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1951 Ford Vedette has manual transmission. 1951 Ford Vedette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Vedette | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Vedette | SL |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2570 mm |
