2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mustang. (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 215 kg more than 2003 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mustang. (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mustang. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
