2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2012 Ford Mustang. (412 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 315 kg more than 2012 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 473 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Mustang. (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Mustang. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1635 kg |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
