1987 Ford RS 200 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 RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1987 Ford RS 200. (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford RS 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 723 kg more than 1987 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford RS 200. (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford RS 200. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford RS 200 has manual transmission. 1987 Ford RS 200 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 RS 200 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RS 200 | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1232 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
