2011 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1988 Ford Meteor
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
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, 1988 Ford Meteor, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1988 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Meteor |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4582 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1298 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
