2004 Ford Freestar vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Ford Freestar is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 2004 Ford Freestar. (193 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Freestar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 16 kg more than 2004 Ford Freestar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Freestar, 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Freestar. (325 Nm). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Freestar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Freestar | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Freestar | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
