1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 555 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | SL |
Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 4966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 339 Nm | 461 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |