2001 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mustang. (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 470 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (781 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Mustang. (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 781 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 98 L |
