2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mustang. (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mustang. (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Mustang. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
