2006 Ford E-250 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Ford E-250 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-250 (226 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 590 kg more than 2006 Ford E-250.
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, 2006 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford E-250 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-250 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2140 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 80 L |
