2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mustang. (260 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 395 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Mustang. (407 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
