1972 Maserati Indy vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Maserati Indy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Maserati Indy would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1972 Maserati Indy. (289 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Maserati Indy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 1972 Maserati Indy. 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 (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Maserati Indy. (400 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Maserati Indy. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 Maserati Indy has manual transmission. 1972 Maserati Indy 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:
| 1972 Maserati Indy | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Indy | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4719 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 289 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
