2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mustang. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 251 kg more than 2004 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mustang. (411 Nm). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
