1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 395 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3030 mm |
