1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 505 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 573 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
