1996 Ford Ranger vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 425 kg more than 1996 Ford Ranger. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ranger | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ranger | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
