2009 Ford Escape vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2009 Ford Escape. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1084 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Escape. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escape | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
