1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 150 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
