1980 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1980 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 125 kg more than 1980 Ford Crown Victoria. 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 (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Crown Victoria. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Crown Victoria. 1980 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Crown Victoria | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Crown Victoria | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
