1982 Ford Meteor vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1982 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 915 kg more than 1982 Ford Meteor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Ford Meteor, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Meteor. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Meteor. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1982 Ford Meteor has manual transmission. 1982 Ford Meteor will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Meteor | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Meteor | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
