1966 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1965 NSU 1200
To start off, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 NSU 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 NSU 1200 would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1965 NSU 1200. (54 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 NSU 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 584 kg more than 1965 NSU 1200. 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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 NSU 1200. (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 NSU 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1965 NSU 1200 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | NSU |
| Model | SL | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 1177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
