1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2008 Ford Falcon is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Falcon (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Falcon weights approximately 344 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 Ford Falcon (391 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
