1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 575 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3230 mm |
