1975 Ford Fairlane vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,096 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1975 Ford Fairlane. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 375 kg more than 1975 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Fairlane. (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Fairlane | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SL |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4096 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
