1988 Ford Sierra vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 830 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sierra | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
