1965 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,305 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 195 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
