1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane.
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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
