1971 Holden Statesman vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 4,140 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 Holden Statesman. (182 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 260 kg more than 1971 Holden Statesman. 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, 1971 Holden Statesman (356 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Holden Statesman | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Statesman | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4140 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 356 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
