2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus 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. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 943 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus 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 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
