1985 Ford Tempo vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1985 Ford Tempo. (90 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 655 kg more than 1985 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Tempo, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Tempo. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Tempo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Tempo | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tempo | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
