1965 Maserati Mistral vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Maserati Mistral. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Maserati Mistral would be higher. At 3,484 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Maserati Mistral is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Maserati Mistral (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Maserati Mistral should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 570 kg more than 1965 Maserati Mistral.
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, 1965 Maserati Mistral (325 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm). This means 1965 Maserati Mistral will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1965 Maserati Mistral has manual transmission. 1965 Maserati Mistral will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Maserati Mistral | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mistral | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3484 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
