1981 Ford Granada vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 344 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Granada | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2520 mm |
