1965 Abarth 595 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1965 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1435 kg more than 1965 Abarth 595. 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Abarth 595. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1965 Abarth 595 has manual transmission. 1965 Abarth 595 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:
| 1965 Abarth 595 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 595 | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 80 L |
