1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2008 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 10 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Crown Victoria (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 30 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2008 Ford Crown Victoria (369 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Crown Victoria 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 | 2008 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 72 L |
