1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 410 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 15 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | SL |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2786 cc | 6208 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 518 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Torque | 192 Nm | 630 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 102.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 94.6 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1240 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1480 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |