1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 21 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (129 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 113 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen T5. 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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 T5 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 T5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | T5 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
