1974 Lada 1200 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 449 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 959 kg more than 1974 Lada 1200. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 633 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1974 Lada 1200 has manual transmission. 1974 Lada 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada 1200 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1200 | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 80 L |
