1974 Holden Statesman vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1974 Holden Statesman. (133 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 460 kg more than 1974 Holden Statesman. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Holden Statesman. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Holden Statesman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Holden Statesman | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Statesman | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3297 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
