1979 Ford Falcon vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 1979 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 570 kg more than 1979 Ford Falcon. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 537 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Falcon. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Falcon | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Falcon | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
