1971 Holden Belmont vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Belmont. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Belmont would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Holden Belmont is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1971 Holden Belmont. (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Holden Belmont. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 1971 Holden Belmont. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Holden Belmont. (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Holden Belmont. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1971 Holden Belmont has manual transmission. 1971 Holden Belmont will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Holden Belmont | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Belmont | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
