2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 253 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1360 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 |
