2003 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. (221 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 53 kg more than 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. 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 Ford Crown Victoria (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Crown Victoria | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Crown Victoria | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1777 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
