2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2012 Ford Expedition is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Expedition weights approximately 896 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2012 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2012 Ford Expedition has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Expedition |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 494 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2651 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5621 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2002 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1974 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3327 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 127 L |
