1959 Lancia Appia vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP) has 446 more horse power than 1959 Lancia Appia. (47 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1125 kg more than 1959 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 723 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lancia Appia. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lancia Appia. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1959 Lancia Appia has manual transmission. 1959 Lancia Appia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lancia Appia | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Appia | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 493 HP |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
