1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 204 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 560 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra.
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, 1987 Ford Sierra (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sierra | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
