1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2011 Ford Falcon is newer by 13 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Falcon 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 126 kg more than 2011 Ford Falcon.
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, 2011 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Falcon 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 | 2011 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
