1984 Ford Orion vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 410 kg more than 1984 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Orion | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Orion | SL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
