2009 Ford Fusion vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Fusion is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fusion. (221 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 924 kg more than 2009 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Fusion is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fusion 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Fusion. (278 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fusion | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fusion | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
