1981 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus 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) has 258 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 749 kg more than 1981 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Taunus | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 315 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
