1958 Ford Prefect vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 479 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 460 kg more than 1958 Ford Prefect. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 759 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1958 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1958 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Prefect | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prefect | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2570 mm |
