1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Seat Leon
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon 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 2,495 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 12 more horse power than 2009 Seat Leon. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 5 kg more than 2009 Seat Leon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Seat Leon, 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 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Leon 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 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | SL | Leon |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
