1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (248 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 139 kg more than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (502 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cutlass | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
