1958 Lancia Appia vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 451 more horse power than 1958 Lancia Appia. (43 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1011 kg more than 1958 Lancia Appia. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 623 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lancia Appia. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lancia Appia. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1958 Lancia Appia has manual transmission. 1958 Lancia Appia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lancia Appia | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Appia | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
