2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 2012 Ford Escape. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 527 kg more than 2012 Ford Escape. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 568 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Escape. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Escape |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
