2006 Ford Mondeo vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Ford Mondeo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2006 Ford Mondeo. (154 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 212 kg more than 2006 Ford Mondeo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Ford Mondeo (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mondeo | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mondeo | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
