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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 398 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 258 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 (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 662 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.
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 | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
