1985 Ford RS 200 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 RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 357 more horse power than 1985 Ford RS 200. (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford RS 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 770 kg more than 1985 Ford RS 200. 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 (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 708 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford RS 200. (293 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford RS 200. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford RS 200 has manual transmission. 1985 Ford RS 200 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 RS 200 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RS 200 | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 293 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
