1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ford E-350
To start off, 2012 Ford E-350 is newer by 14 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), 2012 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1020 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, 2012 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford E-350 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 | 2012 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 2111 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 132 L |
