1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 44 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 37 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 412 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| 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 | 1772 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2919 mm |
