1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 460 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1959 MG MGA | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | MG |
Model | SL | MGA |
Year Released | 1968 | 1959 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1489 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 216 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1460 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2390 mm |