1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 3 kg more than 2011 Ford Mustang.
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, 2011 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
