2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 1965 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 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 63 L |
