2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1096 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Five Hundred | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
