2005 Ford Mondeo vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Ford Mondeo is newer by 8 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mondeo (223 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 265 kg more than 2005 Ford Mondeo.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mondeo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Ford Mondeo (281 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mondeo | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mondeo | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
