1972 Mazda RX-4 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1972 Mazda RX-4 is newer by 1 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1972 Mazda RX-4. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 250 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-4. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda RX-4 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-4 | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
