1966 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1978 Holden Sunbird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 53 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 140 kg more than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Holden |
| Model | SL | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
