2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1988 Ford Aerostar
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Aerostar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Aerostar would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 461 more horse power than 1988 Ford Aerostar. (143 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Aerostar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 700 kg more than 1988 Ford Aerostar. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 774 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Aerostar. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Aerostar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1988 Ford Aerostar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Aerostar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 998 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3030 mm |
