2004 Ford GT vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Ford GT is newer by 6 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford GT (494 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford GT should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 240 kg more than 2004 Ford GT.
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, 2004 Ford GT (679 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Ford GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford GT | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 679 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105.8 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
