2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 2008 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1723 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
