2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 410 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 184 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SLS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
