1959 Lancia Appia vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 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 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1959 Lancia Appia. (52 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 805 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lancia Appia. (87 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lancia Appia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lancia Appia | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Appia | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
