1972 Mazda 818 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1972 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 690 kg more than 1972 Mazda 818. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda 818 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 818 | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2520 mm |
