1994 Ford Tempo vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 414 more horse power than 1994 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 780 kg more than 1994 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Tempo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 659 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Tempo. (171 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Tempo. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1994 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1994 Ford Tempo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Tempo | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tempo | SL |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
