1980 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP) has 453 more horse power than 1980 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1980 Ford Taunus. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 737 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Taunus. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Taunus. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Taunus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 510 HP |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
