1983 Ford GT vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford GT would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1983 Ford GT. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 920 kg more than 1983 Ford GT. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford GT. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford GT. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford GT has manual transmission. 1983 Ford GT will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1983 Ford GT | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | GT | SL |
Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2299 cc | 5987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 130 HP | 389 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 203 Nm | 570 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |