1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Ford F-350
To start off, 2010 Ford F-350 is newer by 12 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Ford F-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford F-350 (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford F-350 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 844 kg more than 2010 Ford F-350.
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, 2010 Ford F-350 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 Ford F-350 has manual transmission. 2010 Ford F-350 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Ford F-350 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | F-350 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 144 L |
