2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1988 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 525 kg more than 1988 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Falcon. (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1988 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2800 mm |
