1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1968 Abarth 1300. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Abarth 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1300 | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 80 L |
