1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 140 kg more than 1973 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1973 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
