1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2004 Mercury Monterey is newer by 6 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 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Monterey. (198 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 181 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2004 Mercury Monterey, 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, 2004 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 98 L |
