1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2002 Ford Mondeo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 Ford Mondeo. (144 HP @ 6150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 527 kg more than 2002 Ford Mondeo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Mondeo. (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
