1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2013 Ford Mustang 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 5,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Mustang (653 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 449 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2013 Ford Mustang (856 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 586 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Mustang 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 2013 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2013 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 653 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 856 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2035 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
