1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 915 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | SL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
