1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ford F-350
To start off, 2012 Ford F-350 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-350 (385 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-350 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2012 Ford F-350 (548 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2012 Ford F-350 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford F-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Ford F-350 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
Model | SL | F-350 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4971 cc | 6200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 315 HP | 385 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 468 Nm | 548 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 6269 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2029 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1961 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3967 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 132 L |