1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 172 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2560 mm |
