1999 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1985 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1985 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 130 kg more than 1985 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1985 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1985 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1985 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2950 mm |
