1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (106 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 684 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
