1965 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 38 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 390 kg more than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | GTO |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
