2010 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1987 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 429 more horse power than 1987 Ford Tempo. (89 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 135 kg more than 1987 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Ford Tempo, 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1987 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2540 mm |
