1983 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 365 more horse power than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 235 kg more than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Crown Victoria.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Crown Victoria | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Crown Victoria | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
