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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (264 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 874 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 133 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 | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
