2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
