2004 Ford Five Hundred vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Five Hundred. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Five Hundred would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 404 more horse power than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. (200 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 468 kg more than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 734 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Five Hundred.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Five Hundred | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Five Hundred | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1652 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 15.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
