1971 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chrysler Valiant (227 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 260 kg more than 1971 Chrysler Valiant.
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 Chrysler Valiant (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Valiant | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Valiant | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
