1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2013 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2013 Ford Fiesta. (118 HP @ 6350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 737 kg more than 2013 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Ford Fiesta, 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 (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Fiesta. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2013 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2013 Ford Fiesta 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 | 2013 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1153 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4067 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
