1987 Ford Fairlane vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1987 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 275 kg more than 1987 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Fairlane. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4088 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
