1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 404 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 771 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 624 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | SL |
Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2301 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 493 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 800 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 2025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |