1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 420 more horse power than 1968 Abarth 1300. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Abarth 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1370 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 692 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1968 Abarth 1300 has manual transmission. 1968 Abarth 1300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1968 Abarth 1300 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make Abarth Mercedes-Benz
Model 1300 SL
Year Released 1968 2005
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 1280 cc 5513 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 12 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 73 HP 493 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 4800 RPM
Torque 108 Nm 800 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 1800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 75.5 mm 82 mm
Engine Stroke Size 71.5 mm 87 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 9.0:1
Top Speed 185 km/hour 250 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 670 kg 2040 kg
Vehicle Length 3720 mm 4540 mm
Vehicle Width 1500 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1060 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2050 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 29 L 80 L