1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Peugeot 407
To start off, 2009 Peugeot 407 is newer by 41 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Peugeot 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Peugeot 407 (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Peugeot 407 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 156 kg more than 2009 Peugeot 407.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Peugeot 407, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Peugeot 407 (290 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Peugeot 407 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 | 2009 Peugeot 407 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | SL | 407 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1204 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
