2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mustang. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 463 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
