2001 Ford Econovan vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Ford Econovan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2001 Ford Econovan. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 315 kg more than 2001 Ford Econovan. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Econovan. (155 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Econovan | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Econovan | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
