1974 Maserati Indy 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 Maserati Indy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Maserati Indy would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Maserati Indy (331 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Maserati Indy should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 286 kg more than 1974 Maserati Indy.
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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1974 Maserati Indy has manual transmission. 1974 Maserati Indy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Maserati Indy | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Indy | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4930 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
