1973 Chrysler Valiant vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1973 Chrysler Valiant. (91 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Chrysler Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 925 kg more than 1973 Chrysler Valiant. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chrysler Valiant. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chrysler Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chrysler Valiant | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Valiant | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1439 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
