1985 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 770 kg more than 1985 Ford Mustang. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 559 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Mustang. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |
