2003 Ford Excursion vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Ford Excursion 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 5,954 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Excursion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Excursion (321 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Excursion should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Excursion weights approximately 1610 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Excursion is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Excursion will offer significantly more control. 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 Excursion (759 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 489 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Excursion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2003 Ford Excursion has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Excursion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Excursion | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excursion | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5954 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 759 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 3370 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2520 mm |
