1980 Ford Laser vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 975 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Laser | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Laser | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
