1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ford Flex
To start off, 2012 Ford Flex 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2012 Ford Flex. (262 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Flex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Flex weights approximately 208 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, 2012 Ford Flex, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Flex. (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Flex |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 2028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2995 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
